Fugitive Arrested with Over $15,000 in Cash

Fairfield (NJ) The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Joseph Roman (33) of Paterson, N.J. on August 22, 2013. Roman was allegedly wanted by the Ogdensburg New York Police Department for failing to answer alleged narcotics distribution and weapons offenses dating back to 2010.

At approximately 3:53 A.M., Officer R.J. Casendino was on patrol on Route 46 East when he conducted a random license plate inquiry of a 2002 Mercedes Benz which was also traveling on Route 46. The result of the inquiry revealed that the registered owner was a wanted person by the Ogdensburg Police Department. As a result of this information, the officer conducted a motor vehicle stop of the Mercedes Benz which confirmed that Roman was the operator and registered owner. He was placed under arrest without incident.

While processing Roman at headquarters, officers discovered him to be in possession of over $15,000 for which Roman allegedly gave conflicting stories about its origin. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office was contacted relative to the money. Based upon the totality of the circumstances, authorities believe the money has a nexus to illegal activity and it was seized pending a civil forfeiture proceeding.

Roman was transported to the Essex County Jail pending extradition to New York. (It should be noted that all pending criminal and civil actions against Roman are merely allegations and that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law)